Ready to bid farewell to a linguistic mystery? Lake Superior State University's annual 'Banished Words List' has spoken, and the phrase "6-7" is officially on its way out. This tongue-in-cheek tradition, which began in 1976 as a New Year's Eve party idea, has become a much-anticipated roundup of overused and misused words.
This year's list, the 50th of its kind, includes contributions from across the United States and even international locations like Uzbekistan, Brazil, and Japan, with approximately 1,400 submissions. But why is "6-7" topping the list? And what does it even mean?
"6-7" emerged as a viral sensation, especially among Gen Z, leaving many scratching their heads. It's often seen as an inside joke, fueled by social media trends. Dictionary.com even chose it as their 2025 word of the year, highlighting its impact on the current language landscape.
The list also includes other overused terms, such as "demure," "incentivize," "perfect," "gift/gifted," "my bad," and "reach out." Interestingly, "my bad" and "reach out" have made appearances on the list before, in 1998 and 1994, respectively, demonstrating the cyclical nature of language trends.
David Travis, Lake Superior State University president, notes that social media plays a significant role in how words are misunderstood or misused, particularly in the absence of body language or tone.
But here's where it gets controversial... While some embrace the trendiness of phrases like "6-7," others, like Jalen Brezzell, are left puzzled. He admitted he doesn't understand the joke.
Alana Bobbitt, a 19-year-old sophomore, finds joy in using "6-7," even if she doesn't fully understand it. This highlights the generational divide and the evolving nature of language.
Some phrases, like "at the end of the day," have staying power, while others, like "6-7," are expected to fade away.
What do you think? Are you a fan of "6-7," or are you ready to see it banished? Do you agree with the list's selections, or are there other words or phrases you'd like to see disappear? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
